Disgraced Rolf Harris Can Keep Liverpool Hope University Honorary Degree - For Now

The once much-loved entertainer and artist Rolf Harris will be keeping his honorary degree from a Liverpool University for now, despite being convicted of indecent assault on 12 counts.

The 84-year-old was convicted at Southwark Crown Court of the sex charges involving four females.

The NSPCC said it has received 28 calls relating to Harris to date, involving 13 people who claim they fell prey to the performer, while claims have emerged of Harris and Jimmy Savile watching vulnerable patients undress at Broadmoor Hospital.

The pair reportedly watched vulnerable young inmates after arriving outside visiting hours on a women’s ward where Savile is accused of assaulting a teenage patient.

But Harris, who received a doctorate of letters on Australia Day in 2010 in recognition of his contribution to art and music education, will be allowed to keep his honorary doctorate for the time being. Liverpool Hope University said it noted the guilty verdict, but would only consider recalling the degree pending any appeals.

Harris has already been stripped of the BAFTA Fellowship he was awarded two years ago, and could also lose his CBE from the Queen.

A spokesman for Liverpool Hope University said: "The University notes the decision of the courts, and pending any appeals will consider its position in due course."